ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: Summer 2011 Edition!

Aloha and welcome to the Summer 2011 edition of the Polynesian Resort FAQ Thread! The goal of this thread is to answer any questions that you may have about Disney's Polynesian Resort. If you have a question that is not answered here in the first few posts of this thread, please feel free to come on in and ask away. One of our many Polynesian fanatics will be sure to have an answer for you or point you in the proper direction to get the information you need!

Upon arrival at the resort you will be greeted outdoors by bell services who will tend to your luggage, and either point you through the doors towards the check in desk in the Great Ceremonial House, or for Club Level guests, whisk you away to check in at the Concierge desk in the Hawaii building (More information on club level can be found here in post #8).

At check in, you will receive your Key to the World card (a "credit card" that contains your room key, dining credits, park tickets, and if applicable, room charging privileges).

You will also receive:

A welcome packet which includes a resort map...
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A directory of services...
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DIS SponsorThe Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Reosrt.

Standing tall over the Polynesian Resort grounds, the Great Ceremonial House functions as the resort's lobby and is centrally located. The GCH contains the check in counter, the resort concierge, a beautiful three story waterfall, the resort's monorail station, a photopass booth, and most of the dining and shopping options that the Polynesian Resort has to offer.

The Polynesian Resort's guest rooms are located in 11 longhouses that are arranged throughout the lush landscape of the resort grounds. All of the longhouses are accessible from the torch-lit and music filled pathways that wind through the property.

The longhouse names are as follows:

Aotearoa

Fiji

Hawaii (contains only concierge/club level standard rooms)

Niue

Rapa Nui

Rarotonga

Samoa

Tahiti

Tokelau

Tonga (contains only concierge/club level suites)

Tuvalu

Here is an overview of the resort grounds and longhouses:

There are three available view categories for rooms. They are Garden View (GV), Theme Park View (TPV), and Lagoon View (LV).

Theme Park view rooms will feature a view of Disney's Magic Kingdom theme park and the Seven Seas Lagoon. These views are reported to be the most magical on Disney property! Theme Park View rooms can be found in Aotearoa, Hawaii (Club Level), Tahiti and Tuvalu. Theme Park view rooms are categorized by their unobstructed view of Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom.

Lagoon View rooms offer a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Some rooms may offer an obstructed view of the castle or Space Mountain. Lagoon View rooms can be found in Aotearoa, Hawaii (Club Level), Tahiti, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu.

A Garden view features a view of parking area, garden, pool, marina or monorail. Dont let the parking lot in the description scare you; the Polynesian has such lush and beautiful foliage that there are no bad views. Garden View rooms can be found in all longhouses.

The Polynesian also offers Club Level Rooms. The majority of the rooms are located in the Hawaii Longhouse and include all three categories of views. More information on the Poly Club Level can be found in post number 10.

All guest rooms feature:

Two queen-size beds (king-size beds available in suites located in Tonga)

The Polynesian Resort has plenty of options for a great meal, a quick snack or an icy adult beverage. From Sushi to Cereal to the ethereal Dole Whip, you'll be sure to find something to cure your cravings. The following text is mostly taken directly from the official "Directory of Services" that you recieve when you check-in to the resort.

A 24-hour, walk-up counter cafe on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House. Features include egg sandwiches, bakery bar, hamburgers, pizza, hot and cold sandwiches, salads and snacks, and grab and go drinks including beer. Capt. Cooks is also home to the dis-board favorite Dole Whip.

Grill Hours: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Serving the "perfect cup," this family restaurant features American Cuisine with subtle Asian flavors. Breakfast features our famous Tonga Toast. For lunch, try our pot stickers and Pan Asian pasta. Dinner features fresh fish selections. In addition you can enjoy the fabulous desserts that are featured in our on-stage dessert bar. A Children's Menu is available. The Kona Cafe is located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House.

Located just steps away from the monorail at Disney's Polynesian Resort, enjoy coffee, tea, pastries, and fruit in the morning. For dinner, the menu morphs to sushi each evening. Volcano Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Sashimi, Tuna Poke, and Nigiri. Cocktails, wine, and sake also available. (From the Official Disney web site).

Coffee Bar: 6:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Sushi Bar: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Imagine the warmth of an orange and blue sunset, the glow of the burning embers and the smell of oak from the grill. 'Ohana will transport you to an island far, far away.

'Ohana means family in the Hawaiian language, and everything is served family style in an all-you-care-to-eat setting. The centerpiece of 'Ohana is an 18-foot semi-circular fire pit where you can watch your food being grilled.

Our family-style restaurant features a character breakfast and appetizers, vegetables, delightful salads adn freshly grilled meats served on skewers for dinner.

A spectacular view of thej Seven Seas Lagoon welcomes you to enjoy the spirit of 'Ohana where we celebrate all of your special occasions. Children's options are available.

Breakfast is 'Ohana's Best Friends Breakfast Featuring Lilo and Stitch, along with Mickey and Pluto.

'Ohana is located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House.

Breakfast: 7:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Dinner: 5:00 PM - 9:45 PM

Be a castaway at this cool, tropical bar with a true island "Hang Loose" attitude featuring wild libation combinations. The Tambu Lounge is located adjacent to 'Ohana on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House.

Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is an all-you-can-eat, family-style luau featuring hula, fire and knife dancers in an open air, covered dining theater located in Luau Cove on the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Dinner features BBQ Pork Ribs, Roast Chicken, Fresh Pineapple, Polynesian Style Rice and Seasonal Vegetables. A Chocolate Mousse Volcano is served for dessert. Beer, Wine and Soft Drinks are included in the price.

The Mikala Canoe Club in the marina is the place to rent Seay Racers, Patoon Boats or even a surrey bike to explore the beautiful Poly property! You can also borrow Coast Guard approved life jackets for your little ones at no charge! Operating hours vary throughout the year. Moana Mickeys Arcade, next to Captain Cooks offers video and skill games.

The Poly also offers hair wrapping. Located by the pool. The stand is open from 12 noon to about 5pm daily. They take cash only and the charge is $2.00 per inch PLUS the cost of beads which range from $.50 to $4.00. You can pick up to 4 colors. A typical hair wrap will cost you about $20-$35 depending on the length of hair.

On various evenings, you can catch the torch lighting ceremony in front of the GCH.

You can also catch a movie on the beach between the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian. The movies vary by month and are shown on different nights of the week. Be sure to check your resort activity flyer upon check-in.

Guests of the Polynesian Resort are able to use the Health Club at the Grand Floridian Resort at no charge.

In the evening, the beach becomes the perfect place to watch fireworks on a lounge chair after a long day at the parks. You can also watch the Electric Water Pageant as it passes by the resort every evening at 9:00 PM. (Wishes Photo: sarahnaut, flicker. EWP Photo: gbrunett, flickr)

The Polynesian's main pool is the Nanea Volcano Pool, which is located adjacent to the beach. This location is said to offer one of the most spectacular view on Disney Property! Tucked into the 40 foot tall volcano is a waterfall and 142 foot tubular water slide that winds through the volcano and feeds into the pool. The Nanea Volcano Pool also features a zero depth entry on the beach side, allowing for a smooth ramp entry without steps. The inside of the volcano houses restrooms, lockers and showers. During the day, various activities are offered poolside such as bingo and hula hoop contests. Information about this can be found on the activity flyer you receive upon admission.

There is a child's play area situated next to the Nanea Pool.

The Nanea Volcano Pool has private cabanas which can be rented for a full or half day. The cabana rentals are for Polynesian guests only and can be reserved up to 180 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

Private dining and poolside massages are available for an additional cost

In the "courtyard" that is formed by the Hawaii, Samoa, Niue, Rarotanga, and Tokelau lies the Polynesian's East Pool. The East Pool is tucked away into the resort's lush foliage, and offers guests a more relaxing atmosphere. Because of the location off the beaten path, and the lack of slides and pool games, this pool is often referred to as the Quiet Pool. Restrooms are located nearby.

The Polynesian Resort is located in a prime area for transportation around Walt Disney World Resort. The Resort Monorail line to the Grand Floridian Resort, Magic Kingdom, Contemporary Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center departs every few minutes from a station located upstairs in the Great Ceremonial House.

Water Launches travel a circular route between the Polynesian Resort, Magic Kingdom and Grand Floridian Resort. These small boats offer a relaxing and breezy tour of the Seven Seas Lagoon on the way to your destination.

Buses are available outside of the Great Ceremonial House to transport you Disney's Hollywood Studio, Animal Kingdom, waterparks, and anywhere else in the world.

The Transporation and Ticket Center is only a short walk or monorail ride away from the Polynesian Resort and offers transportation to Epcot via Monorail, The Magic Kingdom via Ferry, and you can ride to everywhere else in the world via Bus.

From snacks to souviners and works of art, the Polynesian Resort offers many shopping options.

Located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House, Samoa Snacks offers a host of different Disney themed kitchen utensils, magazines, paperback books, various sundries, cold medications, drinks (including wine and beer) and snacks.

Next door to Samoa Snacks, in an adjoining store is Trader Jack's. Trader Jacks offers different Walt Disney World themed souviners including photo albums, hats, toys, CDs and DVDs, pins, and other assorted knick-knacks.

Downstairs in the Great Ceremonial House, you will find Boutiki. Boutiki stocks a variety of men's, women's and children's clothing including bathing suits, shorts, flip flops, and anything else you may have forgotten to pack. Boutiki is also home to a variety of Polynesian Resort themed merchandise such as clothing and coffee mugs. Finally, Boutiki offers up a jewelery counter full of sometimes pricey Disney themed trinkets which include Mickey Mouse Watches and necklaces.

Wyland Gallery showcases a collectionm of artwork (some Disney themed) by marine-life artist Robert Wyland. Original prints, jewelery and sculpture are for sale.

Disney's Polynesian Resort offers pretty much any services you need to make your vacation a smooth and happy one. Services Inlcude:

Airline Check In
On your day of departure, you can check your luggage and receive your boarding pass for participating airlines at the Airline Check-in Desk loacated in the Great Ceremonial House.

Luggage Assistance
For assistance with luggage, you can stop by the Concierge Desk or call for Bell Services from your room. Bell Services will collect and store your luggage until your room is ready, or you are ready to depart.

Laundry and Dry Cleaning
Laundry bags and lists are located in the closet of each room. Call Housekeeping before 9:00 AM for pickup and your laundry will be returned after 7:00 PM. The resort also offers coin-operated washers and dryers, with a vending machine for detergent in a small laundromat next to the Neverland Club.

Internet Service
High Speed Internet access is available in every guest room for a nominal fee.

Lost and Found
For assistance with lost items you can visit the Concierge Desk located in the Great Ceremonial House

Mail
Mail drop-off and shipping is available at the front desk (or at the Hawaii Concierge desk for Club-Level guests). Stamps are available at Boutiki and Trader Jack's.

The Neverland Club
The Neverland Club offers a variety of supervised activities for potty trained children from 3 to 12 years old. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. Kids Night Out offers in-room child-care services. For a great review and more photos of the Neverland Club by jkstewart1800, click here.

Club Level Concierge, known as The King Kamehameha Club at the Polynesian is a great way to add some extra magic to your Polynesian Experience!

The Hawaii Longhouse houses standard Club Level rooms. There are three view categories, Garden view, which has wonderful views of the gardens and quiet pool. Lagoon View, which faces Seven Seas Lagoon but may have a slight obstruction due to a Palm tree or other foliage and Theme Park View which will guarantee a fabulous views of the Magic Kingdom.

Club Level is located in the Hawaii (Regular CL Rooms) and Tonga (Suites) buildings. These buildings are secured and entry is only possible with a concierge room key.

In Hawaii, the first floor rooms offer a patio and the third floor rooms have balconies while the second floor has sliding glass doors but with only a railing rather than a balcony. The Hawaii Longhouse is loved by many simply due to its location. It is right on the beach, next to the volcano pool and a short walk to the GCH. Theme Park View and Lagoon View room rates are higher than Club Level Garden View Rooms.

Tonga Longhouse is a two story building with suites and also has garden view and lagoon view categories. These rooms are larger 2 and 3 bedroom suites that accommodate larger parties. While they also have lounge offerings they are able to access the offerings available in the Hawaii Longhouse.

Club Level services include pre-arrival personal vacation planning by the Itinerary Planning Office (IPO). The IPO will make your advance dining reservations, assist in purchasing tickets and other advance planning details. Shortly after making your reservation you will be contacted by a member of the IPO office to start planning your stay. Sometimes you may need to contact them first due to computer interface issues within Disney.

Concierge guests can call 407-824-2466.
To Fax the Planning Office use 407-824-3162
Their e-mail is Polynesian.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com
(DO NOT E-MAIL THIS ADDRESS IF YOU ARE NOT STAYING IN THE CONCIERGE LEVEL ROOM!)

The Planning Office is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day, Eastern time (excluding holidays).

While staying at the Club Level you will have personalized front desk and guest services. Your room will have robes, phone in the bath area, DVD players and nightly turndown service. Jogging strollers are also available to Club Level guests (first come first serve).

Club Level guests many also are able to experience the Wildlife Discovery Excursion at Disneys Animal Kingdom which is available at 10am & 1pm daily for $50 a person. Part of the proceeds go to the Walt Disney World Wildlife Conservation fund. You can have your IPO planner assist you in making these reservations.

Club Level guests have access to the Club Lounge, a two story lounge that offers a great place to hang out without being in your room. Guests have access to the lounge until midnight on the last day of their stay, which makes it a perfect place to relax before departing for home after checking out. The first floor of the lounge includes seating (some with a spectacular view of the Seven Seas Lagoon, perfect for watching Wishes), a television and the lounge food and drink offerings.

The spectacular view from the lounge:

The second floor of the lounge offers a quieter area with less seating, a television, games, and a large restroom.

The Club Level Lounge offers a variety of food and beverage throughout the day. These offerings are as follows:

Kakahiaka (morning service) 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. offering muffins and pastries, tropical fruit, cereal, milk, orange juice, pineapple guava juice, ice tea, coffee drinks and hot chocolate from the new coffee machine, glass bottles of water, and toasters are available. Yogurt available as well as other items by request. Just ask at the counter.

Bamboo lined hallways greet you as you enter the resort's rather exclusive Tonga building. All rooms in the Tonga building are club level suites, and guests have access to all club level offerings, although the only food offerings in the Tonga building are the continental breakfast and afternoon snacks and beverages. Tonga guests are welcome to use the lounge in the Hawaii building. The suites in this building range from $600 to $3,000 per night. Most suites have a kitchen area, sitting area, seperate bedroom and bathroom.

The Honeymoon Suite is a slightly oversized standard room with a king sized bed and a whirlpool tub. This suite offers a Marina and Seven Seas Lagoon view.

The King Kamehameha Suite has two bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms, a parlor and a kitchen. The suite covers two floors with the main living area on the first floor and the bedrooms on the second. The upstairs master bedroom offers a balcony and king size bed and a whirlpool tub. The second bedroom has two queen beds and a bathroom with double sinks and seperate shower and tub. A suite length balcony faces the marina and the Seven Seas Lagoon.

The Ambassador Suites have two bedrooms, including a master bedroom with a king sized bed, three bathrooms and a parlor area. There are two Ambassador Suites, one each on the first and second floors.

The Princess Suites have one or two bedrooms, each with two queen beds. Each bedroom has a seperate bathroom with double sink vanity bathtub and seperate shower. This suite also includes a wet bar. The One Bedroom Princess Suite has one bedroom with two queen beds. Mary T in PA has supplied us with the following great photos from the inside of the Princess Suite on the second floor. Her full post, with a few more photos can be found here.

Do all the rooms at the Polynesian get turn down service or just Club Level?
Turn down service is standard in Club Level rooms and is done daily. You can request turn down service in standard rooms. Just call housekeeping and request the service to be done.

Which Longhouses have two sinks in the bathroom?
A few of the rooms in the Tahiti and Rapa Nui longhouses have a double sink arrangement. These longhouses also have balconies on the second and third floor.

Does the Polynesian have a hot tub?
Sadly, there is no hot tub at the Polynesian.

Is there a playground at the Polynesian?
There is no playground at the Polynesian. There is a water play area next to the Volcano pool.

Do all the guest rooms have iHomes?
Yes, every guest room has an iHome alarm clock.

Please PM me (please don't post corrections/changes in the thread, I may miss them) and let me know if I missed anything, or if I made any glaring spelling or grammatical errors. Thank you to 1971DBday for the new photos you sent over.

And now, for your enjoyment, a gratuitous post full of Polynesian Photographs to start things off!

WOW, this could not have come at a better time!! What a wonderful and informative thread!! I've been having the hardest time finding room pictures, but I found them here.

We just changed our honeymoon reservations to do a split-stay of Poly Club Level & the Wilderness Lodge Club Level during the week leading up to Christmas!! We are so excited!!

We will spend our wedding night and the first 4 days of our honeymoon in a garden view CL room. I have not stayed at the Poly since my very first trip to WDW in 1979, so I'm sure things have changed! This will also be our first CL experience.

I do have tons of questions, I hope you don't mind my asking

-We just booked our Poly stay today. When should we expect to hear from the Poly IPO? We already heard from the WL IPO, as we booked that portion of our trip several months ago. Should we contact them instead?

-We do NOT want a ground level room. The first night of our stay will be our wedding night and we would like to be on a high floor where it might be a bit more private. Are garden view rooms located on the higher floors of the CL building?

-My parents will be driving us to the Poly after our wedding. Can they park in guest parking? I know they will want to see our room (they haven't seen a Poly room since 1979) & also help us carry our stuff upstairs. Where do we check in for the Poly CL? In the main Poly building?

-My DF wants to go to the Luau. Is it very "kidlike" or would we enjoy it as adults? Which category of seating would be best to ensure a great view, but avoid being chosen by the entertainers to get up and participate? We are a shy couple & we do not want to stand out. It will be the only ADR that we avoid mentioning our honeymoon on!

-Last question I promise! The post on here about Captain Cook's said it is open 24 hours.....really??? WOW!! Is it only pre-packaged foods and non-perishables being sold all night?

Thank you in advance & I'm so excited about our stay at the Polyesian!!!!!